Councilwoman Weir cleared of any conflict of interest concerns

Ventura City Councilwoman Christy Weir, who owns a vacation rental, acted appropriately in her efforts to help establish the city's new amnesty ordinance for second dwelling units, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office announced Monday.

Public officials are prohibited by the California Political Reform Act and regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission from attempting to influence government decisions in which the official knows, or has reason to know, he or she has a financial interest.

The district attorney conducted an inquiry after concerns were raised about Weir's rental being out of compliance. The district attorney probe found Weir in 2007 had her property inspected by the city's Building and Safety Division to ensure it was legal in an effort to avoid any conflicts. After some minor modifications, she was told it was.

But a closer review of the paperwork done earlier this year after concerns were raised found that city officials made a mistake in processing her rental as an "artist studio" and not as a dwelling.

The District Attorney's Office concluded that Weir properly participated in discussions regarding the ordinance until the mistake was brought to light, at which time, "Councilwoman Weir acted properly in disqualifying herself upon learning about the issue with her property."